Functions of Stromal Chaperones in Chloroplasts of Physcomitrella Patens

University Of California-Davis, Davis CA

Investigators

Abstract

Intellectual Merit: Chloroplasts are the organelles within plant cells that are responsible for the synthesis of organic molecules from the energy contained in sunlight. This process of photosynthesis is the ultimate source of all food available on the planet. In order for chloroplasts to function they must be able to take up proteins needed for their biosynthesis and homeostasis from the cytoplasm, and this requires the input of metabolic energy. The molecular machinery responsible for the input of energy into the chloroplast protein import process is the subject of this research. Specifically, the synergistic interaction of two different molecular chaperones in powering chloroplast protein import will be examined, both in isolation and in the chloroplast itself. Elucidation of the details of this relationship is expected to inform future choices for modifications designed to improve the energy use efficiency of chloroplast biosynthesis and maintenance pathways. Broader impact: During the course of this research a number of young scientists will be trained in various disciplines of biological sciences. This will include a senior researcher, a graduate student and numerous undergraduates. These are the individuals who will be tasked with carrying forward biological research into the coming decades, including designing strategies for feeding the ever increasing world population. A number of the undergraduates will be drawn from the UC-Davis Biology Undergraduates Scholars Program, which serves students from economically depressed circumstances or underrepresented ethnic groups, thereby leading to greater diversity in our future scientific leaders.